The state of the British highstreet

With the state of the economy in the past three years, the British high street is looking bleaker than ever.

Activity in Britains high streets this month dropped to its lowest level since August 2012. 

Highstreet brands are trying desperately to claw in its customers with tac tics such as 50% off sales and designer collaborations. For instance Swedish brand H&M collaborated with Anna Della Russo and Margiela. Later this year also sees Beyonce become the face of their summer campaign.

Fast fashion is now more popular than ever, people want to pay pennies, wear a new trend a couple of times and then buy something new. Garments are made cheaply in factories abroad and sold for next to nothing on the British high street.

Is it better to save your pennies and invest in a more expensive statement piece? It's more ethical and better for the environment… so it looks like its time for me to stop buying a new bag from Zara every month and invest in this instead!

Does French fashion have to originate in France?

 French fashion is recognised as classic and chic. A reason people buy from french brands is to buy into this authentic timeless style. But does French fashion have to originate in France?

Phoebe Philo who agreed to take on the job of creative director at Celine in 2008, provided that London would be the base for herself and the design team instead of Paris, brought the studio to England to stay close to her family,and commutes to french headquarters in Paris regularly. Philo believes there's something rich about the combination of London and Paris and insists one wouldn't work without the other. 

Creative director of Yves Saint Laurent, Hedi Slimane renamed the fashion house and relocated headquarters to Los Angelos, but will this change the French feel of the brand? I think it will, you only have to look at the A/W 2013 Saint Laurent collection  that it overtly california-grunge inspired. It has been said Hedi will be Hedi and Saint Laurent will be inspired by his love affair with California and it's rock n' roll subculture. So maybe French fashion does have to originate in France as I think your surroundings will influence your designs and the look of the brand.